Category: Financial Planning
Navigating the Waters of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with Dylan Stewart (Ep. 24)

Navigating the Waters of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) with Dylan Stewart (Ep. 24)

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Need clarity around required minimum distributions (RMDs) and their impact on your retirement cash flow?

This week, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, is joined by Dylan Stewart, CFP®, CPA, Wealth Advisor at Kaydan Wealth Management, to unpack the intricacies of RMDs and their critical role in retirement planning.

Learn about the mechanics, tax planning aspects, long-term financial strategies, and implications of RMDs and how they can influence your financial landscape. 

Whether you’re approaching retirement or are already navigating your golden years, this conversation is packed with knowledge to steer you clear of making common mistakes!

Jim and Dylan discuss: 

  • What are RMDs, and who do they impact
  • Common problems or mistakes people make with RMDs
  • Strategies for managing RMDs to alleviate potential tax burdens
  • The impact of RMDs on Social Security and Medicare premiums
  • The mechanics of calculating RMDs and how it can change over time
  • Innovative ways to utilize RMDs for charitable giving, education funding, or as a strategic legacy plan
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

Connect with Dylan Stewart:

About our Guest: 

Dylan Stewart, CFP®, CPA, serves as a Wealth Advisor at Kaydan Wealth Management, offering comprehensive wealth management and guiding clients through the Evolutionary Wealth Process. As a member of the Investment Policy Committee and collaborator with Senior Wealth Advisors, he plays a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining client financial strategies.

“I love helping clients feel safe and secure by helping them achieve their financial goals and dreams.”

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10 IRA Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 23)

10 IRA Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 23)

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Are you making the most of your IRAs to secure a bigger, bolder retirement? 

In this installment of The Retirement Engineer, Jim Kruzan CFP®, CRPC® dives into the world of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), uncovering the most common pitfalls that could derail your retirement savings. 

From the evolution of IRAs to innovative strategies for maximizing your retirement nest egg, this episode is packed with real-life stories and insights. Whether you’re an early career professional or nearing retirement, follow along to explore the crucial IRA choices and mistakes to avoid, to get you on the right track. 

The 10 mistakes Jim discusses are: 

  • Misunderstanding IRA Types and Contribution Strategies
  • Procrastination and Last-Minute Contributions
  • Neglecting Spousal Contributions
  • Not Maximizing Catch-up Contributions
  • Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Mismanagement
  • Early Withdrawal Penalties and Exceptions
  • Mismanaging Nondeductible Contributions and Backdoor Roth IRAs
  • Ignoring Later-Life Contributions
  • Rollover Pitfalls
  • Failing to Update Beneficiaries and Ignoring Inheritance Rules

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

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Safeguarding Your Wealth Against Cybercrime with Retired FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza (Ep. 22)

Safeguarding Your Wealth Against Cybercrime with Retired FBI Special Agent Jeff Lanza (Ep. 22)

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The threat of cybercrime and identity theft looms larger than ever, posing a significant risk to individuals’ financial security, especially as they approach retirement.

This week, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, welcomes Jeff Lanza, a retired FBI agent with a wealth of experience in cyber security. Together, they dive into the critical and ever-evolving topic of cybercrime, which has become increasingly significant in our digital world. Jeff shares stories and guides us through identifying cyber threats, advises us on steps to take if we’re targeted by cybercriminals, and provides essential tips for protecting ourselves against cybercrime in our daily lives.

Whether you’re concerned about your digital security or looking to fortify your retirement savings against cyber threats, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Jim and Jeff discuss: 

  • The difference between cybercrime and identity theft
  • Types of cybercrime and common scams
  • How to improve your cybersecurity (bank accounts, social media, personal devices, etc.)
  • Advanced frauds fueled by AI and social engineering
  • Challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling cybercrime
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jeff Lanza:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

About Our Guest: 

Jeff Lanza was an FBI agent for over 20 years and is a cyber security and identity theft expert. He investigated cybercrime, fraud, organized crime, human trafficking, and terrorism.

Jeff is now described as the “# 1 FBI Agent Keynote Speaker” and has provided hundreds of presentations to financial advisors and their clients on cyber security and identity theft prevention. They have been a great hit with clients! His presentation on body language is similarly a hit with financial advisors and others.

He appears regularly on CNBC’s Closing Bell and Power Lunch, the Fox News Channel, and has appeared on Larry King Live, the Today Show, and Good Morning America. He has lectured at Princeton University and Harvard University. He is the published author of two critically acclaimed books, and he consulted for Oscar-winning movie director Ang Lee. Jeff has presented around the globe and in 49 U.S. States.

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The Intricate World of Long-Term Care and Caregiving — Part II with Becky Eizen (Ep. 21)

The Intricate World of Long-Term Care and Caregiving — Part II with Becky Eizen (Ep. 21)

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Caring for an aging loved one is by no means an easy feat.

Whether it is you, another family member, or an industry professional who is the one taking the wheel, we want to ensure they receive the care they deserve. 

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, dives deep into the heart of family caregiving with returning guest Becky Eizen from Eizen Consulting Group, LLC. Together, they tackle the intricate world of long-term care, sharing personal experiences and helpful advice along the way. 

Becky also guides us through the maze of deciding on the best care options, understanding its financial implications, and navigating the emotional journey of caregiving. 

Jim and Becky discuss: 

  • How long-term care differs from Medicare
  • Important details and caveats to look out for while selecting long-term care insurance
  • Long-term care options and the financial obligations associated with each
  • Emotional challenges of balancing caregiving and career
  • The importance of having clear end-of-life directives in place
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

Connect with Becky Eizen:

About our Guest:

Becky Eizen received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Becky has always had a passion for helping others. She began her career in the field of geriatrics over 20 years ago. She developed and implemented a program for older adults seeking to house people and assist them so that they can remain in their homes as independently as possible.

As a Geriatric Care Manager, Becky has worked closely with clients and their families to make the best decisions possible. She understands the importance of geriatric care management and knows that it can truly have a positive impact on a person’s quality of life. She is also keenly aware of the stress that caring for older adults can have on a family. 

Becky is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and a Certified Alzheimer’s and Dementia Disease Trainer (CADDCT). She is passionate about caring for the aging population and their families and speaks frequently to groups about the aging process. 

In 2020, she established Eizen Consulting Group, LLC,  to continue to serve clients and families as they navigate the aging process. She also became a Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) in May 2021.

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Do Our Loved Ones Need Extra Support? The Value of Family Connection — Part I with Becky Eizen (Ep. 20)

Do Our Loved Ones Need Extra Support? The Value of Family Connection — Part I with Becky Eizen (Ep. 20)

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Are you or a loved one facing the realities of aging?

This week on The Retirement Engineer, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, is joined by Becky Eizen, founder and CEO of the Eizen Consulting Group. 

Together, they navigate the often-overlooked aspects of elder care. They explore the critical role of geriatric care managers and how to identify the early signs of aging while shedding light on the significance of involving loved ones in care discussions. 

By offering a deep look into the various forms of dementia and clarifying the difference between Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), this episode aims to empower you with the necessary tools for thoughtful planning and informed decision-making, guiding you to honor and fulfill the wishes of our aging loved ones with dignity and respect.

Jim and Becky discuss: 

  • The role and responsibilities of geriatric care managers
  • The distinction between ADLs and IADLs
  • How to find a geriatric care manager
  • Signs of aging and decline in elderly loved ones and how to approach professional help 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Becky Eizen:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

About our Guest: 

Becky Eizen received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Becky has always had a passion for helping others. She began her career in the field of geriatrics over 20 years ago. She developed and implemented a program for older adults seeking to house people and assist them so that they can remain in their homes as independently as possible.

As a Geriatric Care Manager, Becky has worked closely with clients and their families to make the best decisions possible. She understands the importance of geriatric care management and knows that it can truly have a positive impact on a person’s quality of life. She is also keenly aware of the stress that caring for older adults can have on a family. 

Becky is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and a Certified Alzheimer’s and Dementia Disease Trainer (CADDCT). She is passionate about caring for the aging population and their families and speaks frequently to groups about the aging process. 

In 2020, she established Eizen Consulting Group, LLC,  to continue to serve clients and families as they navigate the aging process. She also became a Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) in May 2021.

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Integrating Charitable Giving Into Your Retirement Plan (Ep. 19)

Integrating Charitable Giving Into Your Retirement Plan (Ep. 19)

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Charitable giving not only feels good and leaves a positive impact on the world, but it can also provide financial advantages for retirees.

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, uncovers multiple strategies to weave charitable giving into your retirement and estate planning. Whether you want to maximize your tax benefits or leave a lasting legacy, get ready to learn how to make the most of your contributions and amplify your impact.

Jim discusses:

  • Biggest motivations to integrate charitable giving into retirement planning
  • Commonly used giving strategies (charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, and more)
  • Ways to create a consistent income stream for yourself while giving to charity
  • The importance of philanthropic due diligence
  • Implications of gifting assets or stocks instead of cash
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

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Warm Hearts & One Warm Coat with Beth Amodio (Ep. 18)

Warm Hearts & One Warm Coat with Beth Amodio (Ep. 18)

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Are you passionate about making a difference?

In light of Giving Tuesday and our 10th annual One Warm Coat Drive, we are taking a break from financial topics to discuss how to create a positive impact on people’s lives!

In this heartwarming episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, is joined by Beth Amodio, president and CEO of One Warm Coat. They shed light on the importance of charitable giving, the joy it brings, and how One Warm Coat is driving nationwide impact — sharing warmth one coat at a time.

Beth discusses:

  • How One Warm Coat’s inspiring mission has led to 50,000 coat drives and 8 million coats distributed across 50 states
  • Creative coat drive ideas that have emerged post-Covid 19
  • Underrated benefits of operating a “cloud-based” nonprofit organization
  • One Warm Coat’s contribution to a green future with the Zero Waste Initiative
  • Kaydan Wealth Management’s commitment to sharing warmth
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with One Warm Coat:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

About Our Guest:

Beth Amodio has been interviewed by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Weather Channel, and Martha Stewart Living. She has been a featured guest on multiple podcasts including Giving Connected, Non-Profit Minute, Madness Café, and The Impact Collective.

Since 2018, Beth has served as President & CEO of One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit that provides free coats to children and adults in need while promoting volunteerism and environmental sustainability. Founded in 1992, One Warm Coat has facilitated the collection and distribution of 8 million coats to people in need across all 50 states, while keeping over 19 million pounds of textiles out of landfills. As a virtual nonprofit with no physical headquarters, employees and Board Members reside in and represent all regions of the country. In part due to its unique operating model, One Warm Coat achieved 100 out of 100 points from Charity Navigator, GuideStar Platinum Medals each year, and has been named one of 2023’s Top Nonprofits by Great Nonprofits.

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Podcast Image showing the title "Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Episode 17)"
Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Ep. 17)

Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Ep. 17)

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Between 50 and 72, there are significant birthdays that can impact your retirement finances.

These age-based milestones can help you grow your retirement nest egg, avoid financial penalties, withdraw your retirement funds early, and more!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, highlights seven legislative birthdays that every retiree or soon-to-be retiree should circle on their calendars. By the episode’s end, you’ll realize why planning your retirement cash flows is crucial before these milestones creep up on you!

Jim discusses:

  • Benefits of turning 50, including catch-up contributions and early retirement for qualified public safety workers.
  • How to make penalty-free withdrawals at 55 and 59.5 (from eligible plans)
  • The difference between taking Social Security at 62, 70, and anywhere in between 
  • Medicare’s 7-month enrollment window to avoid penalties
  • The impact of Secure Act 2.0 on the required minimum distribution age
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

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Podcast Image showing the title "Medicare 101: The Ultimate Guide (Episode 16)"
Medicare 101: The Ultimate Guide (Ep. 16)

Medicare 101: The Ultimate Guide (Ep. 16)

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Imagine a retirement where you’re free from the fear of rising, and sometimes unexpected, medical bills.

In a world of ever-rising healthcare costs, a solid understanding of Medicare is a necessity!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, unravels the intricacies of Medicare and paves the path for a more simplified Medicare experience. Whether you’re a decade away from retirement or just around the corner, you’ll learn actionable insights to save stress, time, and money.

Jim discusses:

  • The difference between Medicare and Medicaid
  • Core components of Medicare (parts A, B, C, and D)
  • How the ‘Donut’ hole may unexpectedly increase your prescription drug costs
  • Important enrollment deadlines to avoid hefty penalties
  • The financial impact of Medicare on your retirement plan
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

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Getting Your Retirement Back On Track (Ep. 15)

Getting Your Retirement Back On Track (Ep. 15)

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Picture this: You’ve crafted the perfect retirement plan. You’ve dreamt about it, and it’s finally here. But then, life throws you a curveball. Suddenly, your well-laid path takes an unexpected detour!

Even the most carefully crafted plans must adapt to changing circumstances.

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, shares practical strategies to get your retirement back on track.

Jim discusses:

  • Signs that your retirement may be off track
  • Budgeting strategies to cut unnecessary expenses without sacrificing quality of life
  • How “safe withdrawal rates” can guide portfolio adjustments
  • How to weather market downturns by using debt strategically
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

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